Vasu Pharmatech

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

SPECIFICATION
moving bed biofilm reactor
Size

12 x 25 mm & 4x25 mm

NO. OF HOLES

19 & 79

SURFACE AREA

>6OO m²/m³ & >16OO m²/m³

DENSITY

0.94 - 0.96 gm/cm³

DOSING RATIO

15% to 65%

MEMBRANE FORMING TIME

3-15 Days

MOC

VIRGIN HDPE

Types Of MBBR Media

vasu pharmatech

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) for Wastewater Treatment

In the modern world, water pollution and wastewater management are among the biggest challenges faced by industries and municipalities. With rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and population rise, the pressure on sewage treatment systems is higher than ever. Traditional treatment methods often fail to meet the strict discharge standards required today.

This is where the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology comes in. Simple, efficient, and compact, MBBR has changed the way wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed and operated. Companies like Vasu Pharmatech provide advanced MBBR solutions with high-performance bio-carriers that offer long-term reliability and efficiency.

This article will give you a complete understanding of MBBR wastewater treatment systems—what they are, how they work, their types, applications, benefits, and why Vasu Pharmatech is a trusted name in this field.

MBBR Media Manufacturer

Introduction to MBBR Technology

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is a biological treatment process used for purifying municipal sewage and industrial wastewater. It is different from traditional activated sludge processes because it uses bio-carriers (MBBR media) as the surface area for microorganisms to grow and form biofilms.

These biofilms host bacteria and other microbes that consume the organic pollutants in wastewater, converting them into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water.

MBBR combines two popular processes:

  • The suspended growth process (like activated sludge treatment).

  • The attached growth process (like biofilm reactors).

By combining these principles, MBBR offers a highly efficient, low-maintenance, and sustainable solution for water treatment plants.

How Does a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor Work?

Understanding the working process of an MBBR wastewater treatment system is simple:

  1. Wastewater enters the reactor: Raw sewage or industrial effluent flows into the treatment tank.

  2. MBBR media circulate freely: Special plastic carriers float and move around in the tank with the water flow.

  3. Microorganisms form biofilms: Bacteria attach to the surface of the carriers, forming thin layers (biofilms).

  4. Pollutant breakdown occurs: The bacteria consume organic matter (BOD and COD) and break it down.

  5. Constant aeration or mixing: Air is supplied in aerobic systems to maintain oxygen levels and keep media moving.

  6. Treated water exits the reactor: After treatment, cleaner wastewater flows out for further processing or disposal.

This continuous process ensures wastewater is treated efficiently, even when pollutant levels vary.

MBBR Media Price Considerations

The MBBR price depends on:

  • Size and surface area of media.
  • Material quality (Virgin HDPE is best).
  • Quantity required (dosing ratio varies between 15%–65%).
  • Supplier reputation.

While low-cost alternatives exist, industries prefer trusted suppliers like Vasu Pharmatech, because effective media directly determines the efficiency and smooth operation of the treatment plant. Poor-quality media leads to clogging, breakage, and reduced performance.

Technical Features of Vasu Pharmatech MBBR Media

The quality of the media used in an MBBR reactor plays a vital role in overall performance. Vasu Pharmatech manufactures premium MBBR carrier media with precise design and durability.

SpecificationSize 12 x 25 mmSize 4 x 25 mm
Number of Holes1979
Surface Area>600 m²/m³>1600 m²/m³
Density0.94 – 0.96 gm/cm³0.94 – 0.96 gm/cm³
Dosing Ratio15% – 65%15% – 65%
Membrane Forming Time3 – 15 days3 – 15 days
Material (MOC)Virgin HDPEVirgin HDPE

These specifications ensure:

  • Large surface area for microbial growth.
  • Durability due to high-grade Virgin HDPE.
  • Quick start-up, as biofilm forms within days.
  • Flexibility in dosing ratios, depending on wastewater load.

Types of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors

There are different types of MBBR reactors depending on whether they use oxygen, anaerobic conditions, or both.

Aerobic MBBR
  • Requires aeration (oxygen supply).

  • Suitable for domestic sewage and municipal STPs.

  • Effective for removing BOD, COD, and nitrogen compounds.

Anaerobic MBBR
  • Operates without oxygen.

  • Commonly used for industrial effluents with high levels of organics.

  • Produces biogas (methane) as a by-product, which can be reused as fuel.

Hybrid MBBR (IFAS System)
  • Integrates MBBR with activated sludge processes.

  • Retains more biomass in reactors, increasing treatment efficiency.

  • Ideal for upgrading existing treatment plants.

Applications of MBBR Systems

The MBBR water treatment system is a versatile technology used across various sectors:

  • Municipal Sewage Treatment (MBBR STP): Treats large volumes of domestic wastewater efficiently.
  • Industrial Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs): Handles wastewater from industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, breweries, tanneries, pulp & paper, and food processing.
  • Retrofit & Plant Upgrades: Existing overloaded systems can be upgraded with MBBR without extra land.
  • Aquaculture and Fisheries: Maintains clean water for fish and aquatic species to thrive.
  • Drinking Water Treatment: Helps in removing impurities before final disinfection stages.
  • Sludge Treatment: Reduces sludge generation in wastewater management.

Advantages of Moving Bed Biological Reactor

MBBR systems are preferred worldwide because they provide several advantages:

  • High efficiency: Capable of treating high organic loads.

  • Low operating cost: Less energy and manpower compared to conventional methods.

  • Compact design: Requires smaller land area.

  • Scalable: Easily expandable by adding more carriers.

  • Low sludge generation: Saves disposal costs.

  • Durability: Virgin HDPE carriers ensure long-lasting use.

  • Flexible operation: Works with variable wastewater loads.

  • Fast start-up time: Biofilm develops in just 3–15 days.

Industry Example – Real Case Study

food processing plant with high COD waste (approx. 2000 mg/L) used traditional activated sludge treatment. The plant faced frequent operational failures and high sludge disposal costs.

After upgrading to an MBBR-based system with Vasu Pharmatech’s 12×25 mm media, the effluent quality improved drastically:

  • COD reduced to below 200 mg/L.
  • Sludge volume cut by 40%.
  • Plant required less land area and manpower.
  • Operational costs decreased significantly.

This case shows how businesses can maintain compliance while saving costs with MBBR water treatment systems.

mbbr media

MBBR vs Conventional Treatment Technologies

FeatureMBBRActivated SludgeTrickling FilterSBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor)
FootprintSmall & compactLargeMediumMedium
Energy NeedModerateHighLowHigh
Sludge ProductionLowHighModerateModerate
MaintenanceLow & simpleComplicatedLowHigh
ScalabilityEasy (add media)DifficultLimitedModerate
EfficiencyHighModerateMediumHigh
SuitabilityMunicipal + IndustrialMainly municipalSmall-scaleMunicipal & industrial
 

This comparison shows that MBBR provides the best balance between performance, cost, and operational flexibility.

Future of MBBR in Wastewater Treatment

The demand for sustainable wastewater technologies is growing. MBBR is set to become even more popular because:

Governments around the world are tightening discharge standards.

Water scarcity is pushing industries to recycle and reuse water.

Advancements in MBBR filter designs will increase efficiency.

Integration with IoT and automation will allow smart monitoring.

It supports Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, which are becoming common.

Clearly, the moving bed biofilm reactor has a strong role in future wastewater management solutions.

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

Why Choose Vasu Pharmatech for MBBR Media

Choosing the right MBBR manufacturer or supplier is critical for long-term system efficiency. Reasons to choose Vasu Pharmatech include:

  • High-quality media: Made from Virgin HDPE with precision designs.
  • Proven performance: Provides surface areas >600 m²/m³ and >1600 m²/m³.
  • Quick start-up: Media supports fast biofilm development within 3–15 days.
  • Wide options: Available in multiple sizes (12×25 mm, 4×25 mm) for different setups.
  • Durability: Ensures long service life under varied wastewater conditions.
  • Custom solutions: Designs tailored to municipal STPs and industrial ETPs.
  • Trusted expertise: Years of experience in MBBR water treatment solutions.

Action for Industries and Municipalities

Clean water is not just a compliance requirement—it is essential for environmental protection and sustainable growth. By implementing MBBR technology, industries and municipal councils can:

  • Meet pollution control regulations.

  • Cut operational and maintenance costs.

  • Save water through treatment and reuse.

  • Improve long-term plant performance.

If your business or municipality faces wastewater challenges, investing in MBBR systems and Vasu Pharmatech’s advanced bio-carriers is a smart, future-proof choice.

Conclusion

The moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) is more than just a wastewater treatment method—it is a modern solution that combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. From municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs) to industrial effluent treatment plants (ETPs), MBBR technology offers unmatched results with minimal operational complexity.

With the superior quality bio-carriers provided by Vasu Pharmatech, treatment plants can achieve higher performance, longer-lasting solutions, and lower operating costs.

For any sector where wastewater management matters, adopting MBBR water treatment systems ensures compliance, environmental care, and long-term savings.

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About The Author

Lalit Nankani
Managing Partner, Vasu Pharmatech

Lalit Nankani has over 12 years of experience in the filtration and water treatment industry. He leads Vasu Pharmatech, a trusted name in making PP Filter Press Systems, MBBR Filter Media, and other filtration products.

Under his leadership, the company has delivered high-quality solutions to many industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage, textiles, and wastewater treatment. Lalit believes in providing strong, easy-to-use, and cost-effective systems that help businesses clean and reuse water.

Q.1 What is a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR)?

A moving bed biofilm reactor is an advanced wastewater treatment system that uses floating plastic carriers for bacteria to grow and break down pollutants.

MBBR works by suspending specially designed bio-carriers in wastewater, where bacteria form biofilms that consume and degrade organic matter.

MBBR uses attached growth on media, making it more stable and efficient, while activated sludge relies only on suspended microorganisms.

MBBR media is usually made from high-quality Virgin HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), which is durable and chemically resistant.

Common sizes include 12 x 25 mm and 4 x 25 mm, with surface areas greater than 600 m²/m³ and 1600 m²/m³ respectively.

Good quality carriers have a density of about 0.94–0.96 gm/cm³, which allows them to float and move easily in the reactor.

Biofilm typically develops on the carriers within 3 to 15 days, depending on wastewater characteristics.

The dosing ratio ranges between 15% and 65% of the tank volume, depending on wastewater load and treatment goals.

MBBR is compact, highly efficient, easy to operate, produces less sludge, and adapts to varying wastewater loads.

Yes, MBBR STPs are widely used by municipalities because they can handle large volumes of sewage in limited space.

Yes, industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles, breweries, tanneries, and food processing use MBBR-based effluent treatment plants (ETPs).

A hybrid or IFAS system combines MBBR carriers with activated sludge to increase biomass and treatment efficiency.

Compared to conventional processes, MBBR produces significantly lower sludge volumes, reducing disposal costs.

MBBR is a continuous system with simpler operation, while SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) is a batch process requiring complex automation.

Yes, MBBR is ideal for upgrading overloaded treatment plants without expanding land area.

MBBR price depends on size, surface area, material quality, and supplier, but Virgin HDPE media ensures better efficiency and longer lifespan.

Virgin HDPE is durable, lightweight, water-resistant, and provides an excellent surface for biofilm growth.

Yes, MBBR reduces sludge, saves energy, and helps in water recycling, making it environmentally friendly.

MBBR is generally better for modern plants because it is compact, reliable, and less expensive to maintain compared to older technologies.

MBBR can treat municipal sewage, industrial wastewater, gray water, aquaculture water, and high-COD effluents effectively.

Products

We Have The Best Water Treatment Products

Vasu Pharmatech offers high-quality wastewater treatment products designed for efficient, reliable, and sustainable solutions.
A filter press uses plates to form filter cakes, separating slurry into filtrate.
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Fine bubble diffuser: Submerged aeration for microbial degradation.
Coarse bubble diffuser: Submerged aeration for microbial degradation.
Fine bubble diffuser: Submerged aeration for microbial degradation.
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5/5
Reviews and Ratings

We certify that M/s. Vasu Pharmatech, located at 66B, Pocket AD Shalimar Bagh, Delhi-110088, supplied us with a Pharmatech filter press for our 275 KLD ETP plant at M/s. Asian Colour Coated Ispat Ltd. in Bawal, Dist: Rewari (Hr.). The plant was started in January 2018 and is still working well. The product and its performance have been satisfactory up to now.

ASIAN COLOUR COATED ISPAT LIMITED
Rewari, Haryana

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